Living near the coast in Wellington offers incredible views, salty sea breezes, and that unbeatable fresh air — but it comes at a cost. If you own a home in Lyall Bay, Seatoun, Breaker Bay, Island Bay, or Karaka Bays, you know your deck takes a beating from the elements.

Salt spray, moisture, wind-driven debris, and relentless sun exposure all contribute to faded timber, slippery surfaces, and fast-growing mould and lichen.

At Metro Water Blasting, we offer professional deck cleaning across Wellington’s coastal suburbs, helping homeowners restore their timber or composite decking to a safe, beautiful, like-new finish. Whether it’s softwood, hardwood, or composite — we clean it carefully and thoroughly.

👉 Learn more: Deck Cleaning Wellington

Why Coastal Wellington Decks Need More Maintenance

Suburbs along the southern and eastern coastline of Wellington face some of the toughest environmental conditions in the country. This results in:

  • Salt buildup, which draws moisture and damages timber fibres
  • Algae and moss, which thrive in shaded, damp coastal corners
  • Lichen, which roots into wood grain and stains decking permanently
  • Fading and cracking, especially on unsealed timber
  • Slippery surfaces, posing real danger for kids, pets, and visitors

Homes in Breaker Bay, Karaka Bays, and Lyall Bay often have large sun-facing decks that accumulate salt and UV damage, while Island Bay, Owhiro Bay, and Seatoun decks can stay wet and grow biofilm for months on end.

Suburb-by-Suburb: Common Deck Issues Along the Coast

✅ Lyall Bay

Wellington’s go-to beach suburb. Decks here suffer salt spray, harsh UV rays, and wind-driven sand. Timber dries out and greys quickly.

✅ Seatoun

Beautiful homes with multi-level decks facing the harbour. Mould and algae grow quickly under planters and furniture, especially in winter.

✅ Breaker Bay

One of the most exposed spots in Wellington. Salt, lichen, and constant wind mean fast-degrading boards and unsafe walking surfaces.

✅ Karaka Bays

Prestige homes with large hardwood decks — often multi-surface (composite + timber). Regular cleaning prevents long-term greying and warping.

✅ Island Bay & Owhiro Bay

Bush meets sea. These decks grow thick moss and lichen in corners, under pots, and on shaded stairs — especially on older timber.

What Our Deck Cleaning Service Includes

Metro Water Blasting provides full-service deck cleaning that’s safe, effective, and tailored to your deck type. Our process includes:

  • Pre-treatment with eco-friendly lichen and mould-killing solution
  • Low-pressure water blasting to gently clean timber without gouging
  • Rotary surface cleaners for even cleaning without streaks or pressure damage
  • Spot treatment for tough areas with biofilm, sap, or rust stains
  • Optional: Deck sealing and oiling referral if timber protection is required

👉 Book a service: Deck Cleaning Wellington

Before & After Results

In Karaka Bays, we recently cleaned a hardwood deck that had gone grey, mossy, and slippery — especially near planter boxes. The results were dramatic: clean, even timber tone, safe surface traction, and restored appearance.

A client in Island Bay had a rear deck they hadn’t walked on in winter due to moss buildup. We removed the slippery green layer and treated the wood with our anti-regrowth solution — no damage, just a safer, cleaner outdoor area.

👉 Related blog: Spring Exterior Maintenance in Wellington
👉 Don’t miss: Gutter Cleaning Checklist for Wellington Homes

Soft Washing vs. High Pressure: Why It Matters for Decks

We do not blast timber decks with high pressure, as it can:

  • Gouge softwood like pine or macrocarpa
  • Lift grain and cause splintering
  • Force water into joints and framing
  • Reduce the lifespan of the deck finish

Instead, we use low-pressure deck-safe cleaning, along with pre-treatments to kill the root systems of moss, mould, and lichen. This provides a longer-lasting clean without damaging your decking.

Perfect for:

  • Hardwood (kwila, vitex, garapa)
  • Treated pine
  • Composite decking (ModWood, Outdure)
  • Painted or stained timber

How Often Should You Clean Your Deck in Wellington?

Suburb Frequency
Lyall Bay Every 6–12 months (UV + salt)
Seatoun Every 12 months (biofilm, algae)
Island Bay Every 6–9 months (shaded decks)
Karaka Bays Every 12 months (high-end timber)
Breaker Bay Every 6–9 months (salt + lichen buildup)

Coastal homes experience faster growth of algae and lichen, and more intense weathering, so annual or even bi-annual cleaning is often necessary — especially in shaded or south-facing areas.

Add-On Services That Work Well with Deck Cleaning

Most of our coastal customers choose bundled exterior services to maximise value and keep their property looking its best. Common combinations include:

👉 Related: Island Bay Driveway Cleaning – Before & After
👉 Also see: Roof Moss Treatment in Wellington

FAQs About Deck Cleaning in Coastal Wellington

Q: Will the treatment damage my plants or pets?
No — we use plant-safe detergents, rinse nearby vegetation, and ask you to keep pets inside until surfaces are dry (approx. 1–2 hours).

Q: Can you clean painted or stained decks?
Yes — we adjust water pressure and avoid abrasive brushes. We also spot test before cleaning older painted timber.

Q: Do you do sealing or oiling?
We focus on cleaning but can refer you to trusted local professionals if you’d like a full reseal after your clean.

Q: How long does it take?
Most decks take 2–3 hours depending on size and condition. Mossy, layered growth may require an extended treatment.

Book Your Deck Cleaning in Wellington’s Coastal Suburbs Today

Your deck is an extension of your home. Don’t let it stay dull, slippery, or dangerous this winter. Our team at Metro Water Blasting is ready to bring it back to life with safe, powerful, professional deck cleaning — tailored to Wellington’s wild weather and coastline.

📍 Based in Wellington
📞 Call 0800 997 997 – Available 24/7
📅 Get a free quote now: Deck Cleaning Wellington

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